Crystal Palace begin rebuild as trio renew contracts ahead of return to the Championship | OneFootball

Crystal Palace women have began to rebuild their team after a disastrous year, with three key stars signing contract extensions this week.

Although they have been relegated from the WSL to the Women’s Championship this season, Crystal Palace have managed to secure three important players in their bid for an immediate bounce-back campaign.

The club was immediately relegated back down to the Championship after winning the second division in 2023/24.

Josie Green, Chloe Arthur, and Isabella Sibley have all come to an agreement on one-year extensions that will keep them in South London during an important time for the club.

Green signed for Crystal Palace at the start of the 2024 season and featured in 19 games for the Eagles last year. With the midfielder named captain on more than one occasion in the WSL, her contract was an important one to secure.

Scottish central midfielder Chloe Arthur played a key role in Palace’s Championship success back in 2023/24 and her experience in winning the league could go a long way next year.

Arthur was utilised by the team less in 2024/25, making just eight appearances in what was a miserable campaign in the top-flight.

Isabella Sibley didn’t play for Palace at all last season, with 25-year-old loaned out to Newcastle United in the Championship.

A club statement from the team said: “Crystal Palace are delighted to retain the trio and look forward to their continued contributions in red and blue next season.”

Crystal Palace lose key stars

The news of contract extensions comes just a matter of days after it was revealed that five Palace stars would be departing the club this summer, with their contracts at the club set to expire ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Annabel Blanchard, Mille Gejl, Katrine Veje, Izzy Atkinson, and Ria Öling have all left Palace following their relegation and a further three players have concluded their loans and returned to their respective clubs.

Crystal Palace manager, Leif Smerud, also announced his departure from the team despite only being named as manager in March this year.